Mayoral Column 12 February 2020

Thanks to the welcomed rain that fell across the region and the ongoing efforts of our firefighters, all fires in the Snowy Monaro are now at an Advice Level. Residents are still advised to monitor conditions with the fires still burning.

The rain has provided some relief for our emergency services personnel. We are grateful for their continued assistance.

Cooma, Bredbo Bombala, Delegate and Nimmitabel are currently on water restrictions, albeit on differing levels. This rain event will hopefully fill the dams, put water into the rivers and hopefully lead to an easing in water restrictions.

Yesterday, a community meeting was held in Adaminaby to update residents on bush fire recovery efforts. These community meetings are designed to connect the available state government recovery services with bush fire affected residents and business operators.

There was a discussion on the effects the fires have had on our growing summer tourism industry. After New Year, our summer tourism period has been virtually non-existent due to the threat of fires in the national parks and surrounding areas.

The closing of the Selwyn Snow Resort for the 2020 winter season will impact the Adaminaby district and our local government area. Selwyn has committed to rebuilding, a very welcomed announcement for Adaminaby and the local government area.

I thank the community for their attendance and trust it was a fruitful and helpful meeting.

The Bredbo community, and surrounding areas, are invited to a meeting on Saturday 15 February at 12pm in the Bredbo Hall.

A meeting in Jindabyne will take place on Tuesday 18 February in the Jindabyne Memorial Hall. A community BBQ will be provided from 5pm with the meeting to commence from 6pm.

Each bush fire recovery community meeting will be live-streamed on Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s Facebook page.

The Snowy Monaro Youth Awards are now open. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the achievements of our youth and the contribution they bring to our community.

Nominations will be accepted until March 6 and forms can be found at each Council office, library, and on Council’s website.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council